Learning on the Road – Mammoth Cave National Park

Sandra and Julio Peña are roadschooling parents. Tired of the city life, they bought an RV and are exploring our nation, while learning on the road with their four children ages 10, 9, 5, and 4, two of whom use Time4Learning.

Thanks to the flexibility of roadschooling with Time4Learning, their days on the road are jam-packed with fun hands-on learning experiences. Recently, the Peñas visited Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. After hearing that it was the longest known cave system in the world, they knew they had to make a pitstop there during their roadschooling adventure.

Making Fun Hands-on Outdoor Learning a Reality!

Roadschool families are naturally curious. Prior to their visit, they researched interesting facts about the massive cave system, and watched videos to pique their interest, and prepare themselves for their adventure.

During their visit to Mammoth Cave, all four of the young learners, Olivia, Tiger, Sofia, and Esteban, had the opportunity to not just explore the inside of the cave system, but also learn important facts. The children learned about how caves are formed, why they are important, and also why you should never touch them.

A few days after their initial visit, the children got together with a few other roadschooling families to go on a hike, and enjoy the natural beauty. They also participated in the park’s Junior Ranger Program, which includes completing a booklet that helps them enhance their visit and everything they learned.

Once they completed their journey, they turned the booklets in at the visitor center where they were sworn in as Junior Rangers and received a badge. Sandra says the kids have earned approximately seven badges from other parks they have visited like Yosemite, Pinnacles, and Acadia.

Since starting roadschooling over three years ago, the Peñas have visited 35 states in the U.S. They’ve traveled internationally too! Although they have a small bucket list to guide their adventures, Sandra admits, they usually decide what to do and where to go on a whim. “This keeps the learning fun!” she says.

To follow the Peña Family on their roadschooling adventures, check out their Instagram account @thatcutelittlervfamily.